Private Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Tour from Costa Maya

Walk the Mayan temples, then swim in the lagoon's seven shades of blue

A private six-hour tour from Costa Maya combines guided exploration of Chacchoben's ancient ruins with a boat ride across Bacalar Lagoon, known for its striking blue waters. You'll walk shaded paths through the archaeological site, then relax on the water with swimming time, fresh fruit snacks and lunch at a local restaurant, plus beer and tequila on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore ruins, lagoon, and enjoy lunch

• Tour Chacchoben Mayan ruins
• Boat ride on Bacalar Lagoon
• Eat authentic Mexican tacos

The experience

Six hours takes you from the temples of Chacchoben through the Lagoon of Seven Colors and back. The tour starts with a guide leading you through the Mayan ruins: walking shaded paths past plazas and structures that map out what this settlement was centuries ago. Then you board a private boat for Bacalar Lagoon, where the water shifts through distinct bands of blue depending on the depth. You'll have time to swim in the clear water and eat fresh fruit prepared on board.

Lunch happens at a local restaurant after the lagoon, where you choose between pork, beef or shrimp tacos made to order, with guacamole and sides. Vegetarian and vegan versions are available if you ask ahead. Throughout the day, on the boat especially, beer, tequila, soda and bottled water are provided, so you're not hunting for refreshment between stops. An air-conditioned vehicle handles the drive from your Costa Maya departure point, and the guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your group.

Because this is a private tour, the pace and stops are yours to shape. The guide adjusts timing if your group wants longer at the ruins or more swimming time on the lagoon. You're not waiting for other groups to catch up or moving faster than suits you.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transportation from Costa Maya.
• guided tour of Chacchoben ruins with a live guide in English or Spanish.
• private boat ride on Bacalar Lagoon with swimming time.
• fresh fruit snacks on board.
• lunch at a local restaurant with your choice of tacos.
• beer, tequila, soda and bottled water throughout the day.
• tour insurance.

Information

Lasts 6h, runs every day with no fixed time, from US$ 399 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate12 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by JoJo's Tours

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you're traveling as a couple, a small family, or a group of friends who want to set your own pace at both the ruins and the lagoon without coordinating with other visitors. The private boat and vehicle mean you control how long you linger at each stop.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Chacchoben and what will I see when I walk through it?

Chacchoben is a Mayan archaeological site with temples and plazas built centuries ago. You'll walk shaded paths past the structures that made up this settlement, with a guide explaining the history and culture the ruins reveal about the ancient Maya who built them.

What does the Lagoon of Seven Colors actually look like?

Bacalar Lagoon is known for its striking bands of blue water: the color shifts as the depth changes, creating distinct shades from pale turquoise to deep navy. The water is clear enough to swim in, and you'll see these color shifts most clearly from the boat.

What kind of food and drinks are included during the tour?

Lunch is tacos at a local restaurant (you choose pork, beef or shrimp, served with fresh guacamole) plus vegetarian and vegan options if you request them. On the boat, the crew provides fresh fruit snacks, beer, tequila, soda and bottled water throughout the day.

How much time do I get to swim in the lagoon?

The boat tour includes swimming time in Bacalar Lagoon as part of the experience. Since this is a private tour, your guide can adjust how long you spend in the water based on what your group wants.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation from my Costa Maya hotel or port?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation from Costa Maya, so pickup and all driving between stops is handled as part of the booking.